Q Fever
/ˈkjuː ˈfiː.vər/noun
A disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, often transmitted from animals to humans.
Did you know?The 'Q' in Q Fever stands for 'Query', hinting at the disease's mysterious nature and its puzzling symptoms that left many doctors questioning its origins.
Etymological Timeline
20th Century
English
Q Fever
“Initially named for its puzzling nature and the mysterious query surrounding its cause.”
1920s
Latin
Coxiella
“Named after Dr. Herald R. Cox, who discovered the bacterium responsible.”
1950s
English
Burnetii
“Named after Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, who studied the disease extensively.”
Modern English
English
Q Fever
“Recognized as a zoonotic disease, linking animal and human health in a query of origins.”